Just north of Topanga Canyon Rd., Turn
off PCH to the top of Saddle Peak Rd.: the "saddle",
which offers a beautiful view of the ocean and the Santa Monica
Mountains. The 1st mile of pavement is very rough and narrow due
to landslides. This is a beautiful, rustic canyon, which except
for the paved road is untouched by man. No wires, no lights, no
signs, no houses for much of the climb; all within a few miles of
PCH and Malibu. The steep climb ( 15% + ) starts right after the
crossing of the wash. After 1000 ft of vertical gain the climb
flattens out somewhat. Watch for loose dogs. Watch for steep
dropoffs and little if any shoulder. Keep alert because a mistake
here could cause a lot of trouble. The saving grace is that there
is next to no traffic. Tuna Canyon Rd. is now and probably
for the foreseeable future closed for uphill traffic. Stay to the right and do
not zig zag. This climb can often be made without
seeing a car on week days, weekends however there is some traffic. Make left turn on Saddle Peak
Rd. There are two false summits before you get to the actual
summit of Saddle Peak Rd. Continue about a mile beyond the summit
to the "saddle"; which is where Saddle, Stunt and
Schueren Rd come together. Views to the north valleys, south to
the Ocean.

Fernwood Pacific (update
20 Feb)5.8
miles,1580 ft climb

From Topanga Cyn, make left turn onto
Fernwood at the fire station. Steep part (10% +) starts
immediately! Make right turn on Saddle Peak to the "saddle
". Although this climb is perhaps the most populated climb
in the Santa Monica Mountains, it's certainly worth the effort.
Traffic is usually not bad. Watch for sprinkler runoff in the turns. The views at many of the switchbacks
are quite nice.

Las Flores Canyon Rd. (update 20 Feb)8.8
miles, 2250 ft climb

Across from " DUKES " turn
right on Las Flores .Watch out for busy traffic, many blind
turns. First 1000ft are steepest. Watch out for somewhat friendly
but nevertheless obnoxious dog on very steep climbing turn near
beige colored house on the right. Turn right on Ramblo Pacifica
and right on Schueren Rd. Next to Tuna, one of the real 'gut
busters'.

Stunt Rd.4 miles, 1230 ft climb.

From Mulholland Hwy. to the
"saddle". Gentle grade < 5% but can be very hot.

Piuma Rd.

(5miles, 1640 ft climb). From Malibu
Canyon Rd. to the Y at Saddle Peak Lodge (btw great, very
romantic restaurant), continue right to the top, turn left
descending towards Ramblo Pacifica, make a left turn on Schueren
Rd to the "saddle ". Beautiful views of the ocean,
Catalina, Malibu and Santa Monica Mtns.

Malibu Canyon Rd

Not recommended, dangerous truck traffic
through one tunnel without shoulder.

Corral Canyon Rd.

Approx. 0.5 miles from PCH one starts the
steepest climb in Malibu, 17% plus, which ends
at the fire hydrant at the El Nido housing development. After
approx. 4 miles Corral Cyn. dead ends after encountering the
occasional chasing canine.

Latigo Canyon Rd.

(7 miles, 1850 ft climb). Make a right turn on
PCH, 0.5 miles north from Corral Cyn. First turn is steep but
then the road flattens out. Great easy climb with grades not
exceeding 6%. Top of the climb is the yellow "no
smoking" frame. To connect to Kanan Rd. there is a descent
and then a gentle climb to the 2nd summit. Beware of deer
foraging along the road especially descending the steep blind
turns after the 1st summit

Yerba Buena Rd. (7.9 miles, 2410 ft
climb). 5% grade Very little traffic and beautiful scenery After
approx. 3.5 miles you can make a left turn on Cotherin to get
back to PCH while descending Deer Creek Rd or continue via Circle
X Ranch which is a good place to get water and to make a restroom
stop. Lately there have been packs of loose dogs midway.

Deer Creek Rd. (2.3 miles, 1355 ft
climb). Approx. 1 mile north from Yerba Buena. First 1000ft of
climbing are the hardest with grades up to 15%. Beautiful views
of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands.